Filipino, Brit journalists lose video, other equipment to thieves in Batangas

LIPA, Philippines – A Filipino photojournalist and a British TV reporter lost video equipment and accessories estimated at P560,000 to the so-called “basag kotse” gang, thieves known for smashing car windows to steal valuables inside, police said.

Chief investigator Senior Police Officer 4 Marshall Saludo of the Lipa City police identified the victims as Filipino Noel Celis, 27, and British national Charlotte Turner, 31.

The two had just finished having lunch at a restaurant in the city on Thursday when they discovered that the rear window of their car had been broken and their belongings gone, said Saludo.

He said the car was parked in front of the restaurant when the thieves struck.

Celis lost a total of P137,000 worth of equipment, including a laptop computer worth P85,000 and computer accessories valued at P52,000, police said.

Turner lost a total of P434,692 worth of video equipment consisting of a television camera – P215,000 and video accessories such as microphones, camera light, batteries and camera bag valued at P208,692.